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Gallardo Replacement Zooms Into View

By raccars Published 06 September 2013

Lamborghini's replacement for its stalwart, Gallardo, has been the subject of industry speculation since its demise was announced and spy shots of the new car in testing have set the internet alight this week. The new car is due to make a debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show, prior to its public release after the summer.

Like its predecessor, the Gallardo replacement will share a number of common components with the Audi R8, in this case in its latest incarnation, the second generation due in 2015. At owner Audi's stipulation, both cars will have a light weight spaceframe chassis made from carbon fibre and aluminium, rather than the Aventador sourced carbon fibre monocoque Lamborghini initially planned.

The modular architecture will achieve cost savings, while the new spaceframe will be at least 24kg lighter than that used by the current Audi R8, for added reductions in weight. However, the wheelbases of each car will be distinct, with the Lamborghini's 30mm shorter than the R8 and minus the Audi's extra behind seat storage. This also makes the Lamborghini even lighter than the Audi.

Outer panels will also be of aluminium and plastic, reinforced with carbon fibre, again with weight reduction the aim. The current Gallardo tips the scales at 1,500kg and Lamborghini intends the new version to cut down on that.

Currently codenamed the LP724, the new car is likely to be slightly longer than the Gallardo but of similar height and width. The new spy shots seem to confirm this expectation. However, stylistically, the LP724 is very different, taking its cue from the radical concept, Sesto Elemento. The revised interior layout will optimise space for more human comfort.

The centrally mounted engine will be a revised, retuned Gallardo V10 unit. The 5.2 litre petrol engine should develop 600bhp but remain EU6 compliant, according to strict new regulations to be enforced next year. A six speed manual transmission will come as standard, along with the option of an R8 sourced dual clutch, seven speed automatic. The standard vehicle will be four wheel drive but rear wheel drive special editions are expected.

Industry rumour suggests the car will be named the Cabrera, following Lamborghini's habit of using the names of famous Spanish bull breeds – see also the Gallardo, the Miura, the Navarra, the Veragua and the Vistahermosa-Parlade, while spy shots of the heavily disguised tester nonetheless also suggest the traditional Lamborghini profile.